IBL can be huge benefit for young shuttlers

DUBAI With the much-hyped Indian Badminton League (IBL) very likely to kick off in August this year, top Indian shuttlers are certain the concept will do wonders for budding players in India.

Indian national badminton players Rupesh Kumar and Diju V, who are in Dubai to participate in the 36th edition of the UAE Open Badminton Tournament 2013 at the India Club, voiced their opinion in support of the league noting it will help take the game to different level.

“It’s a very good boost for Indian badminton and the junior players,” said Diju, who represented India at the London Olympics 2012.

“It’s a great concept. A lot of domestic talent will get a chance. What’s happening now is only the cream of Indian badminton is getting a chance to play abroad. Now with the league, others also will get to play with international players and they will get a chance to prove their talent and possibly get into the team,” said Kumar, who has represented India at the World Badminton Championships, All England Badminton Championships and has been the national champion in Men’s double for nine years.

The IBL will be a city-based league which will be held on lines with the lucrative Indian Premier League.

“It’s a good move from the BAI. The Association have tried to build badminton which has not happened in the past and since the sport is quite well known and players like Saina doing well, this is the right time to launch something like this,” Kumar said.

But unlike the IPL, can badminton succeed in attracting huge attention? Kumar said it was too early to jump the gun. “Most of the countries have this league and it’s quite successful. Definitely in India also it can get big. They are just launching and this the first year so once they start they will get to know the flaws in it,” he added.

Diju said: “More importantly, the players who have not been getting great prize money can look for some good money because of this new league.”

Kumar also expressed delight over the growth of the game in India especially in the recent years. “Badminton in India is definitely doing well. If you look at China they have an incredible back up system. And after China, I think it’s India who are really doing well. Lot of players like (PV) Sindhu, Arundathi (Pantawane) are doing great. So we have some good number of players coming up.”